Verdejo

Verdejo is the grape that gives Spain its fresh, spicy character while also offering surprising depth. Perfectewijn's selection features styles ranging from clean and citrus-driven to rounder and creamier, always with that characteristic energy that complements modern cuisines so well.

Origin and vineyards

Verdejo's homeland is Rueda in Castilla y León. The high plateau, with its warm days and cool nights, ensures slow and even ripening. Many producers harvest at night so the fruit arrives fresh in the cellar and the aromatic profile remains pure. Beyond Rueda, Verdejo can also be found in surrounding regions, often with a slightly more spicy note and a riper flavor expression.

Vinification and styles

The most common style is cool fermentation in stainless steel for maximum fruit purity. You also see wines aged on fine lees, which involves allowing the young wine to rest on its fine yeast cells for added texture and creaminess. Fermentado en barrica is also common, where fermentation takes place in oak barrels and can develop notes of toast, cream, and vanilla. A short maceration, which involves allowing the juice and skins to come into contact for a short time, is sometimes used to add aromatic intensity and a touch of grip.

Flavor profile and serving tips

Verdejo often produces citrus, green apple, peach, and a recognizable touch of fennel or anise. The texture is supple with lively acidity and a dry, juicy finish. Serve at eight to ten degrees Celsius with seafood, grilled fish, citrus and fennel salad, sushi, or tapas with aioli. If you choose a Verdejo aged with lees or barrel fermentation, pair it with creamier dishes like risotto with Parmesan or chicken in lemon cream sauce.

Choose within the collection

If you're looking for a clean and refreshing wine, look for terms like joven, stainless steel, or sin barrica. For more layering and a rounder texture, choose crianza sobre lías, which is aged on fine lees, or fermentado en barrica. A common question in stores: what's the difference between Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc? Verdejo tends to be slightly rounder in texture and often spicier with fennel and anise, while Sauvignon Blanc is generally tighter with a pronounced green spiciness.

Why Verdejo at Perfectewijn

• Selection based on freshness, balance and clear origin
• Choice of pure stainless steel, aged to lees and barrel fermented for extra depth
• Clear serving tips and food pairing per wine